On January 9, 2026, 6-year-old Mason, a nonverbal child with autism, was found in cardiac arrest at a North Miami Beach, Florida home. Police performed CPR, reviving him before hospital transport. He survived but suffered severe injuries: internal brain bleeding, fractured arm, facial and back bruising, head swelling, and lacerations to his liver, kidney, and spleen.
Key Individuals and Timeline
- Cynthia Elaine Hernandez (32, mother): Surrendered to police on January 23. Initially corroborated boyfriend’s stories but later admitted believing he caused injuries. Charged with child abuse, child neglect causing great bodily harm, and false info to law enforcement. Held on $10,500 bond.
- Daniel Eduardo Romero (34, boyfriend): Arrested January 11. Gave conflicting accounts (e.g., bike accident, fall on TV, slipping in socks). Not Mason’s father; shares two children with Hernandez (relationship on-off since 2023). Has prior domestic violence convictions. Charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse causing great bodily harm, child neglect causing great bodily harm, and false info. Held without bond.
- Both detained at Miami-Dade Corrections.
Hernandez described Romero as short-tempered, frustrated by Mason’s autism-related behaviors and their baby’s crying. She alleged prior unreported domestic violence.
Legal Context in Florida
Florida statutes (e.g., § 827.03) define aggravated child abuse as intentional acts causing great bodily harm, punishable by up to 30 years. Child neglect with great bodily harm carries similar severity. False statements to law enforcement (Fla. Stat. § 843.08) add felony charges.
Hernandez’s attorney, Hugo Apellaniz, calls her a “victim” of Romero, criticizing North Miami Beach PD for charging her. He emphasizes focus on Mason’s recovery and seeks vindication.
This case highlights tensions in domestic violence scenarios where mothers face charges for failing to protect children from partners. Outcomes often hinge on evidence of prior knowledge or intervention failures. For updates, check Miami-Dade jail records or NBC Miami.
